Travel

Pets are part of the family, and you can’t just get up and go on your holiday without planning suitable arrangements for their care. Pets are bonded to their owners and their environment, and many find adapting to change extremely difficult.

Removing pets from their home and placing them into the smaller, restricted spaces where they are isolated, like boarding kennels, can be exciting for the few but can end up being a very stressful situation for the majority of pets. Being away from you in a strange unknown place, and having no understanding of when you’ll be coming back for them, can increase behavioral problems, and even result in trauma for some pets.

As not all pets do well in boarding kennels, home pet sitting provides a great alternative and keeps them safe, secure and comfortable when you’re away. Pets can show fewer signs of stress when their owners are on holiday when they are looked after in the familiar surroundings of their own home.

Planning in advance

Most people book accommodation and holiday flights months in advance, and it’s important to do the same with your pet care. The majority of quality pet-sitting services are fully booked during the busy summer months, so it’s best to get your plans sorted as far in advance as possible.

What to look for in a professional pet sitter

Once you’ve decided that at home pet sitting is best for your dog or cat, there are several things to check before you make your booking with your pet sitter. Looking after your pet involves much more than just topping up food in the cat feeder, or letting your dog out to toilet. It’s important not to base the pet sitter you choose on their price, as the lowest cost option often means they are cheap for a reason. Your priority should be finding someone who is insured and DBS checked, and ask to see certificates. You’ll want to make sure that your home and pets are left in the hands of someone trustworthy.

Having third-party endorsement is absolutely essential, so look online for independent reviews. If you have a dog, check if your pet sitter plans to take your pet anywhere and with how many other dogs. If your dog is nervous or not good with other dogs, your pet sitter will need to be aware of this so they walk in quieter places.

Book in a weekend trial

A holiday is usually around two weeks long, and that can be a long time for your pet if they are being looked after by a pet sitter that’s unsuitable for them. To minimise the chance of stress and psychological trauma, it’s important to set up a trial weekend with a pet sitter. This will give your pet the chance to get to know your pet sitter, and for your pet sitter to understand your pet’s individual needs and routine. This will ensure your pet has just as an enjoyable time, as you will on your holiday.

Traveling by airplane isn’t always the most comfortable situation in the world. Unless you’re flying business or first class, then the chances of you being cramped up in a tiny seat - or even worse, being stuck in the middle seat are pretty likely to happen.

However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t take steps to make your journey a little more comfortable by bringing things along with you to make the time go faster or just help you get some rest.

So, here are some of our top tips for things that you should always consider packing in your hand luggage for a long flight.

Wipes:

Airplanes, are one of the biggest bacteria hotbeds around and although they’re supposed to be cleaned before and after every new flight, you’ll probably realize that given how they start boarding people onto a flight as soon as the people from before have gotten off, there’s really not much time for a proper cleaning, so although the crew will go around and pick up the mess that previous passengers have been too lazy to pick up after themselves, they really don’t have time to clean the plane properly.

So, although it’s not a perfect solution, making sure you bring things like some anti-bacterial wipes for using on your seat back screen and tray table is a good idea because you never know who’s been touching it before you and whether or not they washed their hands after using the bathroom.

Other wipes such as face wipes for removing make-up and just for freshening up a bit after a long flight are also nice to bring and will fit easily in your hand luggage.

Noise cancelling headphones:

Planes are loud, and even though on long flights the cabin lights will be dimmed to encourage people to sleep, not everyone will. There’s always going to be some noise on a plane, whether it’s people talking, children who are crying or simply just the noise of the engines or the seatbelt sign going on and off, if you’re looking to get some sleep, then a good idea is to bring some noise cancelling headphones with you to drown out the background noise as they really do make a big difference.

Medications you might need:

Due to security measures at airports and laws in certain countries, there are always going to be some restrictions on medications. However, when you need prescription medications, then you should always bring a note from your doctor explaining the need for them.

However, in cases where it’s just things like allergy medications, pain relief if you get headaches when flying, or even tablets to help with Relief for Diarrhoea and wind, then you can typically bring these in your hand luggage without problems and if you think you’re going to need something like that, then it’s a good idea to bring them anyway.

Snacks:

Again, there are restrictions around things like liquids and perishable products when flying, but if you’re going to be on a long flight or even having layovers, you know that food in airports and especially on planes is not the best and can be expensive if you’re buying food in the airport.

Most foods can actually be taken through security, especially if they’re dry and unopened and contain less than 100ml of liquids. So you can bring things like sandwiches, crackers, chips and chocolate and even some fruits. The only thing to make sure of is that you either finish and dispose of them before entering the new country or if you still have them, then make sure to declare them when passing through customs because some countries will impose a fine even for not declaring something as simple as a banana, and these fines are not cheap.

Entertainment:

Although airplanes traveling on long haul routes have seat back TV screens with a selection of movies and shows to watch, they’re not always the best and may be a bit outdated as well. So if you’re not really into watching TV or would prefer to bring your own movie selection along, then bring along an iPad with movies on it or some books and music to keep you busy.

Eye-mask:

If you’re planning to get some sleep on a flight during the day, then an eye-mask is a good idea to bring along with you. They’re so light and small that they’ll fit in all carry on bags, but they’re absolutely worth investing some money in a good one because they basically then work like blackout curtains, and when used along with your noise cancelling headphones or earbuds and a good neck pillow, you can get a pretty decent sleep on the plane.

The United Kingdom as any country holds numerous engaging festivals throughout the year. What makes the UK offer to stand out from the rest is their exciting travel landmarks and cities that nearly every foreigner wants to visit once in a lifetime. One great way to combine that wish with travel opportunities is to enjoy one or many events that are held in its party centers.

Not only that they will show to you the true festive side of UK folk but you will also have the fun of your life and just as you are about to leave, you will start planning the return for the next year. In today's article, we will cover five events that you absolutely have to see while traveling in the United Kingdom.\

1. Christmas Night Parties

They are the prime reason why tens of thousands of foreign partygoers spend their December nights partying in the UK. Christmas party nights are traditionally organized throughout the kingdom and each city tries to arrange them in a unique fashion. It is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ and a widely observed cultural holiday celebrated generally on 25th December by nearly a billion people around the world.

Christmas day in the UK is a special date that is celebrated as a family. The children open the good morning gifts that Santa Claus has left them during the night. Christmas food is very important and the dishes revolve around turkey and chicken. A very special tradition within the English culture is the Crackers, small cardboard tubes wrapped with wrapping paper.

You usually pull the sides of the cracker to discover messages or small details (chocolate, or a joke mustache) that in contained inside. Nevertheless, the cities are bustling with party energy and everywhere you go you will be greeted with gathering euphoria, nice food and drinks to commemorate another great year that is about to come in the circle of your friends and family.

2. Boxing Day

Just the after the Christmas night the Boxing day takes place. The funny thing about this event is that no one is really sure why is called this way and it certainly doesn't involve any boxing matches. All over the UK, friends, and families are reuniting after the Christmas Eve in an attempt to eat and drink everything that was leftover from the previous night.

Sometimes the Boxing day is far more festive than the Christmas Eve since many people start to party on that day after they spent quality time with their families. Pubs become crowded with party folk, football matches take place everywhere and everything is simply embodied with UK spirit.

There are many travelers who swear that coming for a Boxing Day to the UK and leaving it after New years eve is the best way to enjoy traveling and partying in the United Kingdom altogether.

3. New Year Eve

All of that history with international fame, colonial glory, and things unique only to their name, but still the New Years evening is the number one reason foreigners come to see the United Kingdom. Every year millions of curious travelers arrive in London to see with their eyes the party sensation that this city becomes.

That alone could be a good reason for a visit to the UK on the last day of the year since the streets of every place turn into party spot with engaging events. In the households, the New Year evening is usually celebrated in a festive and family way. UK tradition says that the first person to cross the threshold of the door will mark the fate of that home during the new year.

This tradition is known as the "First Step" and takes place at midnight on December 31. This person has to bring a piece of coal, a loaf of bread and a bottle of whiskey, which he gives to the head of the household. But, if you are coming just to have fun and enjoy the festive energy then that is ok too. All you have to bring is a cheerful spirit and everything else will be less important when the party starts to roll.

4. Saint Patrick's Day

Many do not know that St. Patrick's Day has a religious origin and they don't even know how the patron saint of Ireland became a representative of the country beyond religion. Some 500 million people celebrate St. Patrick's Day every year, not only in Ireland but throughout the world. And if I tell you that it is estimated that St. Patrick's Day in Ireland will sell more than 10 million bottles of beer you will probably get the good idea what this festival looks like.

This event is celebrated by the Irish and the Irish at heart in big cities and small towns alike with parades, music, food, Irish drinks, and activities for children in almost all places of United Kingdom. The parade - a colorful array of floats, bands, and groups that represent the country of Ireland, will pass through central London from Green Park to Trafalgar Square starting at noon every 17th of March. Then, Trafalgar Square will host the program of the Irish music festival and dance in the main execution phase, showing the best of Irish music and traditional dance to the contemporary.

A traditional icon of the day is the clover. And this is derived from a more bona fide Irish story that tells how St. Patrick, the Holy Irish, used the three-leaf clover to explain the Trinity. Everything becomes embodied in a jolly good spirit just like the Leprechaun that we all imagine and as you arrive you will find out why it is said that no one can party as Irish folk can.

5. The Carnival of Notting Hill

The Carnival of Notting Hill has grown since the middle of the last century from a traditional celebration of Afro-Caribbean communities (especially from Trinidad and Tobago) to become the largest street carnival in Europe!

From its beginnings in salons to its conquest of the streets, the evolution of this celebration has been marked by music, color, parades, and masks. The celebration takes place during the three bank holiday days of the month of August. It is spread throughout the London borough of Notting Hill, the same area in which the popular Portobello market is located.

Notting Hill is located within the township of Kensington and Chelsea, northwest of Kensington Gardens. It has attracted around one million people in recent years. That means that sometimes there are some isolated conflicts so it is not recommended to attend with minors. There is a practice that is not so frequent but that goes back to the 19th century: paint your face white or use masks of that color.

Those masks were in the Caribbean a symbol of the abolition of slavery and equality among different peoples. Which makes the event not only a combination of music, dance, and food but a good occasion to celebrate freedom.

Dubai is best known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and attractive nightlife scene where Burj Khalifa is the most famous attraction here, 830m tallest tower in the world. It is the largest as well as famous city in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and among world, present at south eastern coast of the Persian Gulf. Today, Dubai's economy depends up on earnings through aviation, financial services, real estate, trade and tourism. Once Dubai's hotel rooms were rated as the second most expensive hotels in the world. It is true that Dubai is bit expensive for perfect travelling but, still it is the most remarkable choice for tourists. There are so many exciting things to do and top things to visit as -

1. Palm Islands

This project gets started in 2001. These are three artificial islands in form of a palm tree with topped by a crescent named as Palm Jumeirah, Deira Island, Palm Jebel Ali on the coast of Dubai, UAE and on November 2011, only Jumeirah has been completed. Desert Sands are used to make it stable on ocean and lots of new construction techniques implemented for the magnificent mega-structure so that it can face any kind of natural calamities like storm and etcetera. You can also buy a property at Palm Jumeirah, starting from 1 Million to 100 Million dollars.

2. The Dubai Mall

It is a wonderful shopping area which is ranked at number second in the world by total land area where you can get A to Z things of the world. Also It is at 26th rank in the world by gross leasable area, tying with West Edmonton Mall and Fashion Island as both are older than it.

3. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

The iconic sail-shaped silhoutte of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah stands tall as a beacon of modern Dubai, characterized by the finest hospitality you can ever. You will access best facilities including Private Beach, Private 24-hour butler, Rolls-Royce arrival and etcetera. It provides you Free Wifi, Swimming Pool, Restaurants and Lounges, 24/7 concierge and assures you pleasant stay.

4. Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is at number one rank in the world, a wonderful stunning fountain, set on the 30-acre manmade Burj Khalifa Lake, at the center of the Downtown Dubai development in Dubai, UAE.

5. Dubai Museum

It is the main museum of Dubai and located in the Al Fahidi Fort. It is built in 1787, the oldest existing building in Dubai. It was opened by the Ruler of Dubai in 1971 whose aim was to present the traditional lifestyle in the Emirate of Dubai.

6. Dubai Gold Souk

It is also a traditional market in Dubai and located in Dubai's commercial business district in Deira, in the locality of Al Dhagaya. It consists of over 380 retailers in which most of whom are jewellery traders. You can get fabulous jewelry sets made with different elements including white gold with original diamond beaded work to add charm.

7. Dubai Marina

It is an artificial canal city, built along a two-mile (3 km) stretch of Persian Gulf shoreline.

Chicago has a lot of attractions, restaurants, and points of interests that appeal to typical business travelers. If you're going to this amazing city in order to have business meetings, you'll benefit from staying at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago. The Hyatt is located near many great destinations in Chicago. This guide should help you find many of the best spots in the city, centered around this well-located.

Attractions

Because Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States, you're going to find tons of attractions scattered around the city. Chicago is known for its bold architecture, which is why most tourists visit destinations where great architectural elements are highlighted. These spots include:

Millennium Park: Millennium Park is a place where you can unwind following a long business day. It has 2,218 parking spots for vehicles and long sidewalks that lead to different sites. While spending time at Millennium Park, you'll find places to get delicious food and buildings that contain a variety of art exhibits.

Willis Tower: Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) is the second tallest structure in the world. As you stand near this 110-story building, you'll admire its 1,450 feet frame. Taking a view from the top is just breathtaking.

Navy Pier: Navy Pier has tons of attractions that run along the edge of Lake Michigan. While strolling along on this pier, you'll have opportunities to play games and ride amusement park rides. If you visit during certain times of the year, you could attend seasonal events.

Restaurants

Many restaurants are a short distance from the Hyatt Regency Chicago and they all serve high-quality, varied types of cuisine. The following restaurants are great options for business executives:

Filini Bar & Restaurant: Filini Bar & Restaurant is a place where you can get fine Italian food. The chef offers many fresh seafood dishes that have an Italian flair. If you stop by this restaurant while you're extremely hungry, you can take advantage of the buffet.

Stetsons Modern Steak and Sushi: This restaurant has juicy steaks and flavorful sushi. You can order either of these items with a side of organic produce.

American Craft Kitchen & Bar: When you want to hang out in a lounge after handling important business objectives, you can unwind and enjoy delicious food at American Craft Kitchen & Bar. All of the dishes have a ton of flavor because the chef gathers ingredients from local farms.

Points of Interest

If you’re an animal lover, then you should really enjoy your time in the Windy City. Throughout a business trip in Chicago, you can enjoy spending a few hours at a zoo during your downtime. Chicago’s world class zoos include:

Lincoln Park Zoo: Lincoln Park Zoo is built on 35 acres and is one of the oldest animal attractions in North American. If you plan your visit, you'll have opportunities to attend unique events. You can get into this zoo without buying a ticket.

Brookfield Zoo: Brookfield Zoo is found in Brooksfield, which is a suburb in Chicago. At this zoo, there are over 450 types of animals in various cages on 216 acres of land. You'll need to purchase a ticket in order to access this zoo.

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